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How Long Can Instagram Videos Be? You Need to Know

Amid social media and instantaneous information sharing, videos are considered the finest content type. If you’re thinking of producing videos for Instagram, you are likely to be asking, how many minutes of video can one post on Instagram? 

Instagram has different types for letting users post videos; each type allows users to upload videos for a specific duration. When it comes to stories, Reels, or Live videos, it is always useful to learn those restrictions to push your content to the next level.

In this guide, we will discuss each of the Instagram video types, including how long each can be, how to make the most of each, and when it is appropriate to use them. As highlighted before, knowing the length of the video you create can be helpful if you want to get good traction on Instagram.

Read this article on Instagram video restrictions for more information about how best to use videos and their duration on Instagram.

Instagram Video Lengths

They are videos in Stories, Reels, Feed, and Live Instagram. Of course, each format is better for some purpose. Determining how long a video can be on Instagram is very helpful for planning your content properly. The correct video length can help increase engagement, expand reach, and maintain viewership.

Filled videos receive many more interactions than simple posts, making Instagram videos a potent weapon for marketers. However, there are different restrictions regarding their duration in thousand to hundred thousand milliseconds. Now, let’s look at the video option on Instagram and how to make the best of every opportunity.

To read more about how to use videos on Instagram.

How long can Instagram videos be? A Comprehensive Breakdown

It is crucial about the behavior to know that Instagram has different video lengths so that one can plan adequately, hence the content. Here’s a detailed look at each type:

1. Instagram Feed Videos

Feed videos load on the home profile and help post content directly for your follower’s consumption.

Duration: What’s more, the feed’s videos can be up to 3 minutes.

Best Practices: Get your audience’s attention in the first few seconds. Include compelling visuals and captions.

Optimal Use: Share tutorials, product showcases, or announcements.

That is why sharing information in the form of feed videos is convenient. Include some text at the bottom to ensure that your viewers follow along, particularly those who may be watching it with their audio turned off. 

Be flexible with the length of your videos to determine which ones will be more effective for your target group. 

2. Instagram Stories

Among the most used formats, Instagram Stories is in the leading position. It stays active for 24 hours and is, therefore, suitable for making quick updates.

Duration: Every story takes 15 seconds, although you can post many stories in a row.

Best Practices: You can use tools like polls, questions, and stickers to engage your audience.

Optimal Use: Advertise information sensitive to time, such as when the flash sale is going on or an upcoming event.

Instagram Stories are one of the most effective ways to engage with followers. This means using elements such as Swipe Up (if available) to bring people to your website(s) or products. 

Here are tips to make your Stories Unique: Use animations, GIFs, and music in your Stories. 

You frequently asked questions about Instagram Stories. The more times viewers watch your Stories, the more lively your content is, and the more often they will stay engaged.

3. Instagram Reels

Reels have become very popular because they provide users with short and entertaining content. Like TikTok videos, reels are perfect for virality.

Duration: Reels can be up to 90 seconds.”

Best Practices: Use trend themes, follow popular music, and incorporate the hashtag.

Optimal Use: Use it as a newsfeed and share updates, practical strategies, difficulties, or sneak peek.

Instagram Reels allow you to grab the audience’s attention right from the start. A tip for reels is to avoid posting anything bland, preachy, or dull. Focus on posting content that appears fun, informative, or motivational. 

Place text overlays over the key messages you wish to convey. Your content may be shared, and you might wake up to thousands of followers who boost it to the Explore page.

4. Instagram Live

Instagram Live allows users to stream in ‘real-time’ and is, therefore, suitable when you want to engage your followers directly.

Duration: You can go live for up to four hours.

Best Practices: Prepare your Live session and its advertisement, and interact with the audience.

Optimal Use: Hold live question and answer sessions, product introductions, or discussions with experts in the details.

Hence, marketing can gain a boost thanks to going live on Instagram. Instagram live feed can be used to unveil new products, Do an interview, or you can answer questions in real-time from your followers. 

To ensure that many people tune in to your live session, promote it before the time on your feed and Stories.

5. IGTV or referred to as Instagram Video

IGTV is now incorporated into the Instagram main feed within the category launching as Instagram Video, allowing for more explained videos.

Duration: Up to 15 minutes from a mobile device; in case it was uploaded from a desktop computer, a maximum of one hour.

Best Practices: Always select an attractive thumbnail and remember to write an elaborate description.

Optimal Use: Consume more time, such as lessons, lectures, or other pieces that explain more about certain topics.

IGTV, or Instagram Video, as it is now known, is perfect for this kind of post. It is suitable for sharing tutorials, interviews, or even extended product walkthroughs. 

When creating a teaser, you should keep viewers hooked so that they make sure to watch the entire video.

instagram videos

How Long Can Instagram Videos Be

Best Video Duration on Instagram to Have The Most Engagement

So, having learned how long the videos on Instagram allow, it is now time to learn how to make your content more effective. Here’s how to make the most out of your videos:

1. Start Strong

The first few seconds count the most. People on Instagram act fascinated by things they are not interested in and have the shortest of attention spans. 

It’s all about making a punch and grabbing the reader’s attention immediately with a good picture and a line.

2. Add Captions and Overlays

Most users watch videos with the sound deactivated. Adding captions makes the message clearer. 

Overlays and texts can underline key points, mostly in case the speaker wants to make particular calls to action in the video.

3. Leverage Hashtags and Music

Hashtags can take your video further. Popular hashtags may feed your content to people who might encounter it on the Explore page. 

This social media application’s features show that sharing new tracks can help users feel more connected.

4. Include a Strong CTA

They need a call to action motivating them to do something, whether it’s visiting your profile, swiping up, or tagging their friends. 

A clear CTA may increase interaction rates by a huge percentage.

5. Analyze Video Metrics

Use Instagram Insight to monitor the videos’ performance. Track other things like view, engagement, and reach. This data analysis will let you define future content.

Instagram Video Engagement

 

Conclusion: How Long Can Instagram Videos Be?

Knowing how long Instagram videos are taken will allow you to produce better videos. When you use Stories for short messages or IGTV for longer content, knowing the restrictions to improve strategy is nice.

Utilizing best practices and maximizing your content can help expand your content’s viewership. For more helpful tips on enhancing your video content strategies, you can always check out AIDA Story.

FAQ Section

1. What should you consider when posting videos on Instagram, and how long can the videos take?

Feed videos can be up to 3 minutes long, reels up to 90 seconds, and Stories—they are stills or short clips that do not exceed 15 seconds each.

2. Does the usage of Instagram Stories have time constraints?

Yes, each Story is for 15 seconds only. You can add more Stories through Storyline 360 to create a longer sequence.

3. Can I only put short clips on Instagram?

Yes and no; this method is good for making short videos that will likely increase engagement.

4. How many minutes can Instagram Live sessions be?

It can even last for 4hrs if you want, it’s ideal for long engagements.

5. Is it possible to find IGTV videos?

IGTV is now part of Instagram Video. Now, you can upload videos up to 15 minutes on the mobile app and 60 minutes on the computer.

 

Khushi
Khushi
Khushi is a skilled content writer with three years of experience. She is primarily focused on tech and is proficient across various niches. She has a unique blend of technical insight and creative storytelling.

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